Shear strength test
Mechanical shear tests are fundamental mechanical tests for evaluating the ability of a material to resist tangential stresses, that is, forces that tend to slide two adjacent sections relative to each other. A mechanical she ar test allows measurement of the shear limit, an essential parameter for predicting the behavior of a component under load, particularly in joints, welds or composite materials.
Mechanical shear tests: the tests
There are different types of mechanical shear tests, which differ in terms of the material to be tested and the relevant reference standard. At TEC Eurolab we can perform:
- Mechanical shear test on screws or rivets: single or double shear strength of screws or rivets is determined; test standards for performing the test are NASM 1313-13, NASM 1312-20, ISO 7961
- Mechanical shear test by 45° tension on composite materials: the reference standards are UNI EN ISO 14129, ASTM D3518/D3518M, EVS-EN 6031
- Mechanical shear test on notched specimen (Iosipescu) on composite materials: the specimen is placed in a special kit and mounted on the testing machine; the test standard is ASTM D5379/D5379M
- Interlaminar shear strength test (ilss) on composite materials: specimen is stressed in bending at 3 closely spaced points until failure by interlaminar shear; reference standards are UNI EN ISO 14130 AND ASTM D2344/D2344M
- Mechanical shear test by sandwich method: 2 steel plates required to put the sandwich panel in tension are glued to the specimens; reference standards are ASTM C273/C273M, AMS-STD-401
- Lap shear test on bonding: test standards are ASTM D1002, ASTM D5868
Shear test: the procedure
As with all mechanical tests and in particular static tests, in which mechanical shear tests are included, TEC Eurolab follows rigorous procedures that comply with technical reference standards and guarantee reliable and reproducible results to provide a complete characterization of material behavior. Mechanical shear tests are carried out by applying a controlled uniaxial stress on the specimen until a predetermined load is reached or until failure occurs, in order to determine the shear strength value of the material. Depending on the type of specimen and the standard applied, it may be necessary to use a single or double shear, different test temperatures, a special kit (for iosipecu-type shear tests), a three-point close bending to test interlaminar shear, or a sandwich construction (for mechanical shear test on composites).
The machinery of the mechanical shear test
Evidence materials
Mechanical shear tests are performed on a wide variety of materials. At TEC Eurolab we can perform mechanical shear tests on:
- metal components such as screws and rivets
- composite materials
- pastings
Industries involved
Mechanical shear testing is a type of test that is required in many industries, as the shear strength of components and materials is a critical requirement for safety, durability and product performance. TEC Eurolab can support with mechanical shear testing the sectors:
- automotive
- aerospace
- defence
- biomedical
- nuclear
- general industry
Test the shear strength of your materials
Rely on TEC Eurolab
Choosing TEC Eurolab to perform a mechanical shear test means relying on a competent, precise and customer-oriented technical partner. Our highly qualified and constantly updated technicians perform each mechanical shear test in full compliance with the strictest international standards. The laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation to perform mechanical shear tests on a wide range of materials, with different configurations and methodologies according to the specific standards and applications required.
Each testing route is custom designed, taking into account the characteristics of the material and the target industry. Thanks to our in-house workshop, we can also directly manufacture the specimens to be tested, ensuring fast turnaround times and maximum consistency with technical specifications. At the end of the test, we provide a detailed report with all relevant data. TEC Eurolab offers a complete service in the area of mechanical testing, integrating additional static tests and mechanical characterization activities when necessary, to ensure reliable, accurate and quality-oriented technical support.